College Physics with MasteringPhysics 7th Edition by Jerry Wilson,Anthony Buffa,Bo Lou

Exercise 46

Assuming ideal frictionless conditions for the apparatus shown in Fig., what is the acceleration of the system if (a) m 1 = 0.25 kg, m 2 = 0.50 kg, and m 3 = 0.25 kg, and (b) m 1 = 0.35 kg, m 2 = 0.15 kg, and m 3 = 0.50 kg

FIGURE Which way will they accelerate See Exercise.